S.B. No. 2600 amends the Education Code to address fees charged by independent school districts for the transportation of students living within two miles of their school. The bill removes the previous provision that allowed districts to charge a reasonable fee for transportation in this scenario, particularly when the district received funds under Section 48.151(d). Instead, it introduces a new provision that permits districts to charge a reasonable fee for transportation only if they do not receive any funds under Section 48.151 and do not participate in a county transportation system that receives an allotment under Section 48.151(i).

The changes will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year, and the bill stipulates that it will become effective immediately if it secures a two-thirds vote from all elected members in both houses. If not, the bill will take effect on September 1, 2025. This legislative change aims to clarify the conditions under which school districts can impose transportation fees, potentially impacting the financial responsibilities of families in relation to school transportation services.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 11.158 (Education Code 11)
Senate Committee Report: Education Code 11.158 (Education Code 11)
Engrossed: Education Code 11.158 (Education Code 11)